HUNTINGTON BEACH – Orange High earned a spot in the CIF playoffs for the first time in seven years.

With a 45-28 victory over Ocean View on Friday night, the Panthers (7-3, 3-2) clinched third place in the Golden West League and have secured a spot in the postseason for the first time since 2006.

Panthers running back Aaron Aguilar, who broke the school's single-season rushing record after running for 174 yards on 23 carries and two touchdowns Friday, has been a big part of the team's success all year long, coach Randy Thompson said.

Seniors Devon Tunnicliff and Eddie Baltres both recorded 1-yard touchdowns for Orange.

Orange quarterback Nick Kunkel threw for 114 yards and a touchdown on 6-of-10 passing. The 6-foot-1, 180-pound senior also ran for 41 yards and intercepted two passes.

“He's done everything for us,” Thompson said. “He's probably not getting the kudos he deserves because of some of the other players on the team but it does not go unnoticed.”

Juniors Daniel Lether and Rodrigo Guillermo, as well as senior Peter Avalos each recorded an interception for the Panthers.

Blake Meyer passed for 129 yards and three touchdowns for Ocean View (1-9, 1-4). Seahawks running back Daniel Valencia had 228 rushing yards and a touchdown on 19 carries.

The Panthers' next opponent remains will remain a question mark until playoff seeding is announced Sunday, but Thompson says his team is ready for whoever comes their way.

“It's going to be tough but we have to believe and go out there and perform like a first-place team,” he said.

Ocean View's Jordan Stout runs the ball on a kickoff return against Orange in the first half on Friday at Ocean View High. LORI SHEPLER, FOR THE REGISTER
Ocean View fans stand for the national anthem before Friday's home game against Orange. LORI SHEPLER, FOR THE REGISTER
Orange cheerleaders perform Friday's game against Ocean View. LORI SHEPLER, FOR THE REGISTER
Orange's Aaron Aguilar runs the ball in for a touchdown as Ocean View's Tristan Wenschlag, right, can't catch him in the first half on Friday at Ocean View High. LORI SHEPLER, FOR THE REGISTER
Ocean Views quarterback Blake Meyer passes the ball against Orange in the first half on Friday at Ocean View High. LORI SHEPLER, FOR THE REGISTER
Ocean View's Alex Aldanese, right, breaks up a pass intended for Orange's Isreal Garcia, left, in the first half on Friday at Ocean View High. LORI SHEPLER, FOR THE REGISTER
Orange's Devon Tunnicliff, left, catches a pass for a long gain as Ocean View's Daniel Valencia, right, tackles him in the first half on Friday at Ocean View High. LORI SHEPLER, FOR THE REGISTER
Orange's Carlos Graneros, right, tackles Ocean View's Daniel Valencia, left, in the first half on Friday at Ocean View High. LORI SHEPLER, FOR THE REGISTER

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